Okotoks RCMP are warning the public of a door to door art sales scam. On Tuesday, August 11th 2015, Okotoks RCMP received a complaint of a female going door to door selling art. The female told customers she was currently studying at an art school overseas and the paintings for sale were done by students in her class. The pieces were portrayed as original oil paintings but were in fact common reproductions easily available online at a fraction of the price the female was charging.
The female was described as white with an olive complexion, in her twenties, approximately 5’3″ tall with black hair and an accent. She claimed to have been from Spain.
The art student scam is well-established and has occurred in the greater Calgary area over the last couple of years. The scam consistently involves an individual claiming they are from overseas and studying art.
This matter is still under investigation.
Anyone with any information regarding this crime is asked to call the Okotoks RCMP at 403-995-6400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS FREE (8477).